Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Beautiful Icicles




I don't live where it snows, so I see beauty in an icicle. Before those of you that live in conditions that provide for icicles go crazy, yes, I know they can be deadly. However, it is another wonder that amazes me. I truly enjoy the beauty. Obviously, I love the photo opportunities the icicle can provide for me. Wherever I am and wherever I go, I am always on the lookout for places or things that provide for great photos. If you only had an opportunity to take one more photograph for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hugs,
Jenni

Monday, February 25, 2013

Artful Monday Musings... Pierre-Auguste Renoir




Today we celebrate Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He was a brilliant Impressionist painter. I highly recommend checking out his body of work.

"An innovative artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born on February 25, 1841, in Limoges, France. He started out as an apprentice to a porcelain painter and studied drawing in his free time. After years as a struggling painter, Renoir helped launch an artistic movement called Impressionism in 1870s. He eventually became one of the most highly regarded artists of his time." (www.biography.com)

Hugs,
Jenni

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Last Minute Packing




Last minute trips always leave me feeling like I have forgotten to pack something. I received a phone call today that my uncle in Utah is not doing well. Mom decided we needed to make a quick trip to see him, so we leave in a few hours. Hope I remembered everything required for chilly temperatures...

Hugs,
Jenni

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Yard Clean Up

Christopher and I spent a good portion of the day cutting down three disease ridden trees in our backyard. It was exhausting and we are only half way there. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow we will work some more.



In the meantime, I've got a question for all of you. I recently read somewhere that if I paint rocks to look like strawberries it will help keep the birds away. Is this true? I don't want to invest too much time painting rocks if this doesn't work. I'd love any gardening tips you've got for me.

Hugs,
Jenni

Friday, February 22, 2013

Taking It All In




Do you ever just stop and admire your surroundings? I had a moment like that today. I was walking down the street and I became acutely aware of the birds chirping, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the breeze blowing through my hair. Next time you step outside close your eyes and take in the world around you.

Hugs,
Jenni

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Love Your Pet Day




Why do we only have one day a year to "love" our pets? I don't know about you, but I love my dog, Dyson, every day. He has lived a spoiled life after being rescued, and why not? Dyson always greets me at the door when I come home. He loves car rides. He provides me with unconditional love. I will continue to love him and spoil him until his time has come.

Do you have a pet? How do you celebrate your pet?

Hugs,
Jenni

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

It's Recipe Day! Baking with Cherries!

Today is National Cherry Day! I have only used cherries to bake a pie. In my search for a cherry recipe, I came across this recipe, Tiny Cherry and Almond Tea Cakes, on Martha Stewart's website. It sounds divine! Can't you just taste the deliciousness? Give it a try and let me know what you think.


For the recipe, check out this website:
http://www.marthastewart.com/343774/tiny-cherry-and-almond-tea-cakes?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/summer-produce-recipes¢er=276955&gallery=274446&slide=262767

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Almost Art Time...




Today I gathered my supplies that Christopher bought me for my birthday. I'm one step closer to starting my painting journey.

Hugs,
Jenni

Monday, February 18, 2013

What? A New Haircut?




"Before"



"After"

Today I decided to treat myself to a long overdue haircut. I forgot how enjoyable it can be to sit in the chair and have someone "play" with your hair. I wanted a slightly new look, but the flexibility to still wear my hair up or down. Fiona at Luxe did an amazing job! I can't wait to play with it and see what I can do.

Hugs,
Jenni

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Dining at the Beach




One of my favorite places to go is Laguna Beach. Although it has become quite the tourist town, I love the artsy community. My mom and husband took me there for dinner last night. We watched the sunset from our beachside dinner table. It was amazing!

Hugs,
Jenni

A Hike For My 38th Year




Here is a photograph of the crew who braved the hike for my birthday yesterday. Thank you to each of you for coming out and tackling the trail with me. I think my favorite part was seeing the other trail hikers in awe of the four year old in our crew. Way to go Hunter!

Hugs,
Jenni

Friday, February 15, 2013

Hooray for Disneyland!







I spent the day celebrating my birthday at the "Happiest Place on Earth." What an exhausting, but totally awesome day! Thank you to my husband, Christopher, and my sister, Melissa, for a day full of laughs. The birthday celebration continues tomorrow. What is in store for this zany girl? Hmmm... Check back tomorrow to find out.

Hugs,
Jenni

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Thoughts This Valentine's Day







I am always moved by gifts that are homemade and come from the heart. I tell my family repeatedly that I would love something that they created for me. Today I got my wish. My husband made me a Valentine's Day card. I was so moved that it almost made me cry. I thought I would share it here with you. Isn't it just the sweetest thing?

Photos: Artwork on cover and inside of greeting card by Christopher Burgan

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Lemon Whipped Cream Coming Up...

With my birthday just around the corner, I've been looking for yummy recipes that involve "lemon." I love it! Lemon meringue pie is one of my all time favorites. I have a "top secret" family recipe for lemon cake that makes everyone's mouth water. So, even though I'm a day late... here is my recipe this week. Make a batch and tell me that you could resist licking the bowl.

Lemon Whipped Cream

Ingredients:
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Process:
1. Beat the cream with an electric mixer on high speed in a large bowl just until it forms soft peaks. Add the confectioners' sugar and zest and beat just until stiff peaks are formed.

Makes about 2 cups

*Recipe courtesy of "Luscious Lemon Desserts" by Lori Longbotham

Hugs,
Jenni

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Success Feels Amazing!




In my endless search for full time employment as a teacher I've taken almost every exam or course you can possibly take. Okay, that may be exaggerating, but not by much. Last month I took the CSET for Art. My hope was that I would find one more qualification to add to my extensive résumé. Well, I am happy to announce that I passed the exam. Wooohooo!

In addition to this qualification, I spent the last two days in training to be a Teaching Performance Assessment Assessor (TPA Assessor) for Task 1. Wow! This was a rigorous course. I felt like although I was in class, it was self-guided. Again, I'm happy to announce that I "calibrated" to score TPA's.

While waiting for the perfect full-time position, I am more than happy to be an Adjunct Instructor for the University of La Verne. It is exciting to know that I'm valued for my talents at a university. Life is good!

Hugs,
Jenni

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Artful Monday Musings... Caravaggio





Yesterday I went to LACMA to see the Caravaggio show. Although I was impressed with a few of the pieces, I found it left me feeling less than satisfied. I mean, Caravaggio has impressed me for years, but upon seeing his work, I no longer felt like it was unattainable to create in this style. I am looking forward to embarking on my art filled adventure. I definitely don't expect to start creating work this amazing, but it's good to have goals, right?

If you were given the opportunity to wake up one morning and paint in the style of one of your favorite artists, who would it be? Why?

Hugs,
Jenni

Homemade is Always Best





I am a sucker for Pop Tarts, but they are loaded with things that are terrible for me. I recently discovered I could make my own. Using my own ingredients was not only fun, but easy. I decided to try them out on my nephews and my husband. They were a huge success! I should thank my brother for his homemade strawberry jelly, which I used as filling for these tasty treats. I plan to find ways to make even more delicious store bought treats at home. As I do this I will share them with you.

If you have any yummy treats you'd like to share, I'd love to have them.

Hugs,
Jenni

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Laughter of a Child




Today I spent the day with two of my nephews. I am always in awe of how much laughter they have in them. Don't you just love hearing that uninhibited laughter? The smallest things will make a child roar with silliness. Oh to be young and innocent.

The next time you find something funny, laugh with wild abandon. Laugh until your sides ache. You may be surprised at how good it truly feels.

(Photo: my husband, Christopher, and my nephew, Wyatt)

Hugs,
Jenni

Friday, February 8, 2013

12 Canvases in my 38th Year





I recently began following a blog where the woman decided to paint 52 canvases in her 40th year. Of course, I felt that with all of my other time commitments that would be too many for me. So with my pending birthday this month, I've decided to try for 12 canvases in my 38th year. I think it will be interesting to see my year in review. Exciting! Since painting is not my normal method of creating art this will challenge me to continue to grow as an artist. I've decided to also tackle learning to oil paint. As I progress each month on my paintings, I will share my thoughts and my work with you here on my blog. My birthday is next week and my goal is to start with my birthday and create one piece of oil painting by March 16th.

Hugs,
Jenni

Thursday, February 7, 2013

"I'm Possible!"




Audrey Hepburn, one of my all time favorites, was once quoted as saying, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible!'"

Today be positive and think how you are possible! Dream big!

Hugs,
Jenni

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

It's Recipe Day! Doughnuts... Mmm!

I have a passionate love for doughnuts. I remember Saturday mornings getting up early to go fishing with dad. Our ritual included a doughnut and chocolate milk. To this day, when I'm feeling nostalgic I stop by the doughnut shop and head over to Puddingstone. I just sit there, relax, and enjoy my moment.

I've been looking to make my own doughnuts, so recently I found this recipe. Make a batch and create your own memories.

Raised Sugar Doughnut

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons active dry yeast, divided
1 cup whole milk, heated to 110*F, divided
2 to 2 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
2 tablespoons superfine sugar, plus more to coat doughnuts in
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
vegetable oil for frying (I might try another high heat oil.)

Process:
1. In a medium bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of the yeast into 3/4 cup of the milk. Add 3/4 cup of the flour and stir to create a smooth paste. Cover and let rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

2. Combine the remaining milk and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the rested flour mixture along with the sugar, salt, vanilla, and egg yolks. Mix until smooth. Turn off the mixer and add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour. Mix on low for about 30 seconds. Add the butter and mix until it becomes incorporated, about 30 seconds. Switch to a dough hook and add more flour, about 1/4 cup at a time with the mixer turned off, kneading the dough at medium speed between additions, until the dough pulls completely away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth and not too sticky. It will be very soft and moist, but not so sticky that you can't roll it out. You may have flour left over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (and up to 12 hours).

3. Line a baking sheet with a lightly floured non-terry dish towel. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. With a doughnut or cookie cutter, cut out 3-inch diameter rounds with 1-inch diameter holes.

4. Place the doughnuts on the baking sheet at least 1 inch apart and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place to proof until they almost double in size, 5 to 20 minutes, testing at 5-minute intervals. To test whether the dough is ready, touch lightly with a fingertip. If it springs back immediately, it needs more time. If it springs back slowly, it is ready. If it doesn't spring back at all, it has overproofed; you can punch it down and re-roll it once.

5. While the doughnuts are proofing, heat a heavy-bottomed pot with at least 2 inches of oil until a deep-fat thermometer registers 360*F. With a metal spatula, carefully place the doughnuts in the oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until light golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a wire rack over a paper towel, and let cool slightly before sugaring.

6. Put extra sugar in a bowl large enough to coat doughnuts. Place warm doughnuts in the sugar and turn to coat. Enjoy warm or let cool!

I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think.

Hugs,
Jenni

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Pinterest Addiction

It happened!!! I have had a Pinterest account for awhile now. However, I didn't really use it. From time to time I would log in and poke around, but never really at great length. This past weekend that all changed. I was sitting around looking for an escape and thought "what the heck!" I found myself on Pinterest for hours this past weekend! I'm pretty sure it is official, I'm addicted!

Have you tried Pinterest? Has it consumed you? What type of pins do you like?

Hugs,
Jenni

Monday, February 4, 2013

Artful Monday Musings... Carousels




Look at the beauty before you... Have you ever looked at the detailed painting on a carousel? There is often great care taken when creating such a magnificent piece. Next time you see a carousel, stop and admire the beauty before you. Then of course, hop on and enjoy the ride.

Hugs,
Jenni

Sunday, February 3, 2013

A Treat... Los Angeles Zoo




I absolutely love the zoo. Today I visited the Los Angeles Zoo. Walking around, hearing animal sounds in all directions, and of course, zoo food, all make for an exhilarating experience. One of my favorite exhibits is "Elephants of Asia." What amazing creatures! The zoo is a treat I give myself when I want to be enchanted by God's creations. What do you treat yourself with when you want to feel special? Do you go somewhere exciting or do you buy a gift for yourself?

Photo: (Lens: Jane, Film: BlacKeys B & W, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Sneak Peek...




Here is a sneak peek at some fabric I'm using in my tent trailer. Check back soon for more updates.

Hugs,
Jenni

Friday, February 1, 2013

Sharing a Cup of Tea




I had a wonderful lunch with some of my "sisters" today. We gathered at a little place called, Paris in a Cup, in downtown Orange. It was an adorable tea room. The tea was fabulous and the company even better. I always treasure my time with my "sisters." We share stories, encourage one another, and laugh together.

Do you have friends that you love to spend time with? What do you do together?

Photo: (Lens: Loftis, Film: DC, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni